THE CARLISLE Half and 10k took off with a bang as over one thousand runners crossed the starting line earlier this morning (March,13).
The annual event, beginning at Brunton Park, saw the mass of runners offer solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they stood under a banner reading; ‘Carlisle Stands with Ukraine’.
The event organised by dual directors of IM Events, Mike James and Ian Milburn, have said the feedback they have received since has been “amazing”.
“It’s been such a tough two years since we last hosted the event but to see so many smiles today has made all the hard work we’ve had to put in so worthwhile,” Ian said.
The run has attracted runners down from North Scotland, all the way up from Surrey, and overseas travellers from Czech Republic and USA.
“Mike and I are both so proud of our home city and, as big Carlisle United fans, to be able to host an event from the place where we’ve had so many memories over the last 40 years is very special.
“The football club have been fantastic in helping us host the event and we hope the event will grow and showcase our fantastic city for years to come,” he said.
The day also seen the Carlisle Youth Zone Fun Run take place, bringing with it over 100 kids to the starting line – an event which IM Events provides 40 free places to under privileged kids who may not be able to afford to attend.
Both organisers thanked the seventy volunteers, who got up at 6 am to help orchestrate the run and also the support they have received from Premier Electrical Ltd, Kingmoor Park, Thomas Graham and Aqua pura to help make the day happen.
Mike James said it’s been a “big ole’ challenge” but it’s a great feeling when the days finished.
“Ever since we’ve started, we’ve had over a thousand runners every time, but we want to get up to a couple of thousand ideally,” he said.
“The pandemic has slowed things down as people are only now just getting back into doing things again.
“Reaching that two thousand target over the next couple of years, would make it all the more worthwhile, because at the moment it’s high costs to stage these events, especially with the full road closures,” he said. 
Johnathan Cox took home the top time for men in the half, running it in 1 hour and seven minutes, with Lydia Barker-Chapman coming top of the pile for females, with a time of 1 hour and 21 minutes.
Looking ahead, IM Events will be putting on the Gelt Gladiator on June, 11 and the Cross-border 10k on September 9.
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